Thread advancing reel



1948- c. A. CASTELLAN 2,446,525 THREAD: ADVANGING iiEEL v v Filed Dec. 29, 1945 I Y s Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN TOR.

Aug 10, 1948. I c. A. CASTEYLLAN 2,446,525 THEM AbvANcING REEL Filed Dec. 29, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet :s

INVENTOR. CARL A. CASTEL LAN BY j I Patented Aug. 10, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE THREAD ADVANOING REEL Carl A. Castellan, Wilmington, Del., assignor to American Viscose Corporation, Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application December 29, 1945, Serial No. 638,266

16 Claims. (01. 28-71) be subjected to fluid treatment as it passes through a helix on the thread advancing reel.

The present invention provides a distinctly novel type of thread-conveying device or thread advancing reel of essentially simple construction. The construction of the present device or reel is of such character that the bearings and driving mechanism may be readily protected by a relatively simple and inexpensive form of sealing diaphragm or membrane. The device or reel of the present invention may be either of cantilever or double-end supported construction. In one formthe thread-conveying device operates to advance the thread axially thereof at one speed of rotation but at another speed,'no axial advance occurs. Other advantageous characteristics of the device will be apparent from the drawing and the description thereof hereinafter.

In the drawing, which is illustrative of the invention,

Figure 1 is a transverse cross-section of one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a section on line II-II of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a transverse cross-section of a modification.

Figure 4 is a section on line IV-IV of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a section of another modification similar to the section of'Figure 3. and

Figure 6 is a section of another modification taken similarly to the section of Figure 3.

In general, the devices or reels of the present invention comprise two sets of thread-carrying elements or bars interdigitating with each other and serving to carry the thread roughly in the form of a helix. The two sets of bars rotate about axes which are displaced from one another or oifset, preferably with their axis of rotation parallel, though a certain amount of deviation from a strict parallel relationship may be permitted. and means interdigitating with the two sets of bars is provided for moving the helix of thread relative thereto endwise of the reel. This means may advantageously comprise a third set of thread-carrying bars or elements which are actuated during rotation of the device in such a manner as to protrude from the bars of the other 2 sets at a certain portion of the cycle of revolution of the device. Durlng such protrusion the third set of bars carries the thread and their motion comprises a component directed toward one end of the device so as to advance the thread carried thereby endwise of the device, thereby operating as a thread-advancing reel. Thus. the

third set of bars serves to carry the thread that it takes from one of the first two sets of bars endwise of the device to an axially displaced position from which the thread is taken by the other of the first two sets of bars.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the device constitutes a reel mounted for rotation about a fixed shaft 2 and comprises three sets of threadcarrying elements or bars 3, 4 and I, respectively, the bars of each set, as shown, having threadconveying peripheral surfaces of approximately the same length, axially of the reel. One set of thread-carrying bars 3 is in the form of a cylindrical cage closed at one end by the plate 6, This cage of bars, which may be termed the concentric cage, has a flange I extending outwardly from the periphery of the end of the bars away from the plate 8. The cage is secured to a web or plate 8 by means of cap screws 9. Thehub II is secured tothe driving spindle l I by means of a nut l2. A bushing I3 is provided between the spindle I I and the fixed shaft 2 and is so constructed that the bars 3 are concentric with and rotate about the axis of shaft 2.

The second set of bars I may be formed integrally with a flange ll rotatably mounted on an eccentricbearing IS keyed to the shaft 2 as at ll. As in the case of the bars 3. the set of bars 4 is most advantageously in the form of a rigid spider which carry the bearing members II and II are eccentric with respect to the axis of shaft 2 and are designated by'numerals 2t and 2t, respectively. The axes of revolution of these bearing surfaces 23 and 24 ar displaced from the axis of shaft 2, preferably so that they are parallel to the axis of shaft 2. but in a different direction from such axis than the center of bearing II, A small deviation from the parallel may be permissible. but is not desired. Also. the axis of the 3 surface 24 is displaced further from the axis of shaft 2 than the axis of surface 23, though in the same direction. The location of these centers are as follows: shaft 2 at A, bearing i5 at B, bearing 23 at C and bearing 24 at D. (See Fig. 2.)

The bearing member l8 may be provided with an arcuate groove comprising a plurality of seats 25 for receiving the complementarily formed convex foot portion Ila of the supporting elements 11. An annular plate 26 has a plurality of radially extending, axially projecting lugs 21. The radial portion of the supporting elements I! work slidably within the guideways formed between adjacent lugs 21 thereby limiting angular movement of the bars 5 relative to the bearings I8 and I3. Garter springs 28 and 29, respectively, hold the bases or feet of the supporting elements H in contact with the bearing members l8 and I9, respectively.

In order to prevent striking of the bars of each set against those of the other, the bars 5 are provided with endwise projecting pins 30 extending into recesses 3| in the flange l4 carrying the bars 4. Also, the flange i4 is provided with outwardly projecting pins 32 projecting into recesses 33 within the flange l of the concentric cage of bars 3. Recesses 3| and 33 are formed with sufi'lcient play to allow for the eccentricity and other relative movement which are required of the pins carried by the respective sets of bars as a result of the actuation of the bars durin rotation of the reel.

The bearings and drivin mechanisms may be protected from processing liquids when it is desired to subject the threads on the reel to such by means of a set of flexible sealing membranes, such as of rubber, synthetic rubber or the like. One such membrane designated 34 is generally of annular shape and has its inner periphery se cured to the flange H by means of a fastening ring 35 and is clamped between the flange l and the plate 8 at its outer periphery by means of cap screws 9. A second seal 33 of cup-like shape is secured at its inner periphery to the flange H by a ring 31 and its outer periphery is provided with openings 38 through which bossed portions of the bars 5 extend to be secured to supportin elements I! by means of cap screws 39. The securement at this position is such as to make a tight seal. This membrane 36 is entirely enclosed at its outer end and forms a tight housing about the driving parts and bearings, while permitting relative movement of the bars 5.

I operation, assuming the reel to be rotating in the direction of the arrow in Figure 2, the helix of thread upon the reel at any given instant is carried by the set of bars 3 approximately throughout the fixed arc X; by the bars 4 approximately throughout the fixed arc Y, and by the bars 5 approximately throughout the fixed arc Z. As the turns of'the helix leave the fixed arc X they'are transferred to bars 5 in arc Z which are so actuated as to displace the turns endwise of the reel. Preferably, at about the maximum of their displacement, the turns leave bars 5 at the end of arc Z and are picked up by bars 4 and are carried thereby through approximately arc Y and then transferred to bars 3 as they enter arc X.

This operation is accomplished by virtue of the fact that durin rotation of the reel, the two sets of bars 3 and 4 alternately recede and protrude with respect to the adjacent bars of the other set with which they interdigitate. Bars 3 protrude along arc X and bars 4 protrude long arc Y. If the third set of bars 5 were to be omitted, the turns of thread would be carried by bars 3 and 4 through portions of arc Z as well as X and Y, respectively, each set of bars 3 and 4 carrying the thread turns through an are almost but not quite 180 independently of the other set. No thread advance would occur unless the axes of the sets of bars were inclined to each other. However, as actually constructed bars 3 and 4 rotate on parallel axes and the bars 5 are so disposed as to protrude from both sets of bars 3 and 4 approximately through the arc Z, and being arranged to recede within the peripheries of the two sets of bars 3 and 4 during passage through arcs Y and X. This effect is accomplished by virtue of the fact that the centers C and D of the bearing surfaces 23 and 24 are displaced eccentrically from the center A in a direction at an angle to the direction of displacement of the center B of the cage of bars 4. The angle between a line drawn from A to B and a line drawn from A to D may vary widely and preferably may be as much as At 90 angle, the arc Z is a maximum.

Because of the greater eccentricity of bearing surface 24 than that of 23, the bars 5 are alternately rocked about the center of curvature of the seats 25 to effect alternate protrusion and recession of the bars 5 with respect to bars 3 and 4. The rocking during the time of the protrusion of such bars 5 from the bars of the other two sets (that is adjacent arc Z) imparts a component of motion to the thread turns carried thereon in the direction to the left or free end of the reel, as viewed in Figure 1.

Figures 3 and 4 show a preferred embodiment comprising three sets of bars having thread-conveying peripheral surfaces of approximately the same length, axially of the reel, two of which again are mounted for rotation about displaced axes, preferably parallel to one another, but the third set of bars is carried by one of the first two sets, and means is provided for actuating the third set of bars to eifect alternate protrusion and recession thereof with respect to the other two sets of bars. In this embodiment, a shaft 40, adapted to be driven by gear 4| within a fixed bearing 42, carries a concentric reel member 43 keyed to the shaft at 44. The nut 45 and spacing bushing 45a serve to prevent axial displacement of the concentric rigid reel member 43. A sealing gasket 46 may be provided. The member 43 has an outer generally cylindrical portion 43a grooved axially or endwise of the reel at 45, thereby leaving the intermediate peripherally spaced parallel reel bars 3a integrally formed 'on and projecting radially outwardly from the reel member 43. The second set of bars 4a may be formed as the peripheral elements of a rigid cagelike reel member 45a comprisin the flange 41 at one end of the bars 4a secured to the flange or plate 48 by means of cap screws 49. The outer end of the cage is formed with an enclosing plate -4Ba. The hub 50 is retained upon a bearing surface 5| formed of a boss 52 from the fixed bearing 42. The center of revolution of the bearing 5! is eccentric of the axis of shaft 40 as shown particularly in Figure 4 where the axis of hearing 5! is designated E and the axis of shaft 40 is designated F.

The third set of bars 5a are secured at one end to the cage-like reel member 45a by means of cap screws 53. Each of the bars 5a comprises a relatively heavy rigid thread-carrying portion extending longitudinally or axially of the reel and a flexible portion 5a connecting the rigid 5' v portion to the point of securement to the case a. Alstationary cam 54 having an internal cam surface 55 is secured by a key 56 to the boss I: of the flxed bearing 42. The cam surface at is constructed to form a controlled path for guiding the bars 5a. For example, in its simplest form, it may be a cylindrical surface having a center disposed at G in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the bars 5a are normally flexed into engagement with the cam surface 55 by means of the resilient character of the portion Ia thereof, and the cam surface 55 thus alternately allows protrusion and forces recession of the bars in with respect to the peripheries of the sets of bars in and la. Instead of having the bars 5a normally biased into engagement with the cam surface 55 they may normally take a positionparallel to the axis of the reel and then may be flexed under the action of centrifugal force into engagement with the cam surface 65. In this latter arrangement (which is claimed in a co;- pending application Serial No. 778,385, filed ctober 7, 1947), the device would act as a simple godet or delivery wheel or drum until a critical speed is attained (which would depend upon the characteristics, particularly the size, of the yam being handled) when centrifugal force is sumcient to cause the bars a to protrude from the periphery of the reel otherwise defined by the other sets of bars. I

The bearings and driving mechanism may be protected by a simple annular seal 53 of flexible material having its inner periphery secured to the outer cylindrical portion 43aof the concen: tric reel member by means of a ring Bland with its outer periphery clamped between flanges H and M by means of cap screws 59. Thus each of the bars Ba extends through an aperture in membrane 56 with which it makes a tight sealing engagement.

Rotation of the reel by driving a gear 4! causes alternate protrusion and recession of bars 3a and ta with respect to each other. In addition, during such rotation, bars 5a are allowed to protrude under the control of the cam surface 55, such protrusion occurring along the fixed arc designated Z in Figure 4. The springing of the bars 5a to effect such protrusion imparts a component of motion to the threads carried thereby in a direction endwise oi the reel and when the bars have attained approximately their maximum deflection, the threads are picked up by one of the other sets of bars in or do and subsequently by the other of such latter two sets of bars, in a sequence similar to that of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 5 shows a modification of the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 in which the cam surface of Figure 3 is replaced by a cam groove a, thereby imparting positive motion to the bars 5a instead of relying upon the resilience of the flexible portion of the bars 5a (or centrifugal force as in the aforementioned copending application) to'move the bars outwardly.

Figure 6 illustrates a modification in which the construction of the reel is substantially the same as in Figures 3 and 4 except for the third set of bars 5a which, instead of being mounted upon the 'reel cage 45a, are carried by a spider 58 having a hub 59 secured to the shaft 30 for rotation therewith by means of the nut 45 which also clamps the concentric reel member 43. The individual flexible and resilient arms 5a connecting the hub 59 with the bars 5a gives a greater length of material to be flexed so that a longer flexing life can be expected of the reel system.

The various parts of the reel may be made of various materials, depending upon the conditions of use of the reel. For example, if the, reel is-to be subjected to corrosive liquids the parts of the reel exposed to such liquids and not protected by the flexible sealing means, are made of a material capable of resisting the attack of such processing fiuids. Examples of such compositions are stainless steel, Hastelloy, other special metallic alloys; phenol-aldehyde resin products, such as Bakelite, Durez;' or even of non-resistant metals covered by a protective material, such as rubber, Heresite, vinyl resins, such as polymers of vinyl chloride and also copolymers thereof. The flexible arms carrying bars 5a in the embodiment of Figures 3 to 6 may advantageously be formed of a fabric-reinforced phenol-aldehyde resin or of a coated metal. thereby obtaining in each case a flexible and resilient mounting.

The reel of the present invention is of simple and inexpensive construction and can readily be sealed against attack of itsbearings and driving connections by processing fluids that may be applied to the thread carried by the reel.

It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from. the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A thread-handling device adapted to convey thread carried in convolutions thereabout in the general form of a helix comprising a set of longi tudinally extending bars rotatableabout an axis.

a second set of bars interdigitating with those of the first set mounted for rotation about an axis displaced from the axis of rotation of the first set, andmeans interdigitating with-the two sets of bars for moving the thread relative to the two sets of bars in a direction comprising a component parallel to the axis of the device the thread conveying peripheral surfaces of the interdigitating means being of approximately the same length, axially of the reel, as those of the two sets of bars, so that each convolutionof a helix thereon is engaged by each of the two sets of bars and the interdigitating means.

2, A thread-handling device adapted to convey thread carried in convolutions thereabout in the general form of a helix comprising a set of longitudinally extending bars rotatable about an axis, a second set of bars interdigitating with those of the first set mounted for rotation about an axis .displaced from the axis of rotation of the fl'rstset, means interdigitating with-the two sets of bars for moving the thread relative to the two sets of bars in a direction comprising a component parallel to the axis of the device the thread.-

vconveying peripheral surfaces of the interdigitat ing means being of approximately the same length, axially of the reel, as those of the two sets of bars, so that each convolution of a helix thereon is engaged by each of the two sets ofbars and the interdigitating means, and controlling means for eflecting alternate engagement and disengagement of the moving means with the thread during rotation of the device.

3. A thread-handling device adapted to convey thread carried in convolutions thereabout in the general form of a helix comprising a set of longitudinally extending bars rotatable about anaxis, a second set of bars interdigitating with those of the first set mounted for rotation about an axis displaced from the axisof rotation of the first set, means for rotating the bars about their respective axes, means comprising thread-carrying elements interdigitating with the two sets of bars for moving the thread relative to the two sets of. bars in a direction comprising a component parallel to the axis of the device the thread-conveying peripheral surfaces of the interdigitating means being of approximatel the same length, axially of the reel, as those of the two sets of bars, so that each convolution of a helix thereon is engaged by each of the two sets of bars and the interdigitating means, and controlling means for effecting alternate engagement and disengagement of the moving means with the thread during rotation of the device.

4. A thread-handling device adapted to convey thread carried in convolutions thereabout in the general form 01! a helix comprising a rigid set of longitudinally extending bars rotatable about an axis, a second rigid set or bars interdigitating with those of the first set mounted for rotation about an axis displaced from the axis of rotation of the first -set, and means comprising individually-actuable members having I thread-carrying elements interdigitating with the two sets of bars for moving the thread relative to the two sets of bars in a direction comprising a component parallel to the axis of the device the threadconveylng peripheral surfaces of the interdigitating means being of approximately the same length; axially of the reel, as those of the two sets of bars, so that each convolution of a helix thereon is engaged by each of the two sets of bars and the interdigitating means.

5. A thread advancing reel comprising a set oi. longitudinally extending bars rotatable about an axis, a second set of bars interdigitating with those of the first set mounted for rotation about an axis displaced from the axis of rotation of the first set, a third set of thread-carrying bars interdigitating with those oi. the first two sets, and means for imparting motion to the bars of the third set relative to those of the other two sets to displace the thread carried thereon endwise of I the reel. the thread-conveying peripheral surfaces of the three sets oi bars being of approximately the same length, axially of the reel, so that each convolution of a helix thereon is engaged by bars 01 each set. a

6. A thread advancing reel comprising a set of longitudinally extending bars rotatable about an axis. a second set of bars interdigitating with those of the first set mounted for rotation about an axis displaced from the axis of rotation of the first set, a third set of thread-carrying bars interdigitating with those of the first two sets, said bars being mounted for rotation about an axis displaced from the axes of the first two sets of bars, the thread-conveying peripheral surfaces of the three sets of bars being of approximately the same length, axially of the reel, so that each convolution of a helix thereon is engaged by bars of each set, and means for imparting motion to the bars 01' the third set relative to those of the other two sets to displace the thread carried thereon endwise of the reel.

7. A thread advancing reel comprising a set of longitudinally extending bars rotatable about an axis, a second set of bars interdigitating with those oi the first set mounted'i'or rotation about an axis displaced from the axis oi rotation of the first set, a third set of thread-carrying bars interdigitating with those of the first two sets, said bars being mounted for rotation about an axis displaced from the axes of the first two sets of bars, the axes of rotation of the several sets of bars being substantially parallel to each other and the direction of oflset of the center of the axis 01' rotation of the third set of bars from the axis of rotation 01' one of the first two sets of bars being approximately at to the direction 01 oil.- set of the axis of rotation of the other of the first two sets of bars, and means for imparting motion to the bars of the third set relative to those oi the other two sets to displace the thread carried thereon endwise oi' the reel.

8. A thread advancing reel comprising a set of longitudinally extending bars rotatable about an axis, a second set of bars interdigitating with those 01 the first set mounted for rotation about an axis displaced from the axis of rotation of the first set, a third set of thread-carrying bars interdigitating with those oi the first two sets, each 01' the bars of the third set being mounted for rotation about the same axis as one of the first two sets of bars, and means for imparting motion to the bars 01' the third set relative to those of the other two sets to displace the thread carried thereon endwise of the reel.

9. A thread advancing reel comprising a set oi longitudinallyextending bars rotatable about an axis. a second set of bars interdigitating with those of the first set mounted for rotation about an axis displaced from the axis of rotation of the first set, a third set or swingably mounted threadcarrying bars interdigitating with those of the first two sets, andmeans for imparting swinging motion to the bars of the third set about an axis transverse of the axis of the reel to efiect alternate protrusion and recession of the bars with respect to the bars of the first two sets.

10. A thread advancing reel comprising a concentric set 01 peripherally spaced longitudinally extending thread-carrying bars, a second set of bars interdigitating with those of the first set mounted for rotation on an axis eccentric to that of the first set, a third set of bars interdigitating with those of the first two sets, each bar of the third 'set being mounted for individual actuation and comprising a rigid supporting element pivotally mounted about an axis transverse of the axis of the reel, and eccentric means for swinging the bars of the third set pivotally about the pivotal axis transverse of the axis of the reel to efiect alternate protrusion and recession of the said bars with respect to the bars of the first two sets.

11. A thread advancing reel comprising a concentric set of peripherally spaced longitudinally extending thread-carrying bars, a second set of bars interdigitating with those of the first set mounted for rotation on an axis eccentric to that of the first set, a third set of bars interdigitating with those of the first two sets, each bar of the third set being mounted for individual actuation and comprising a rigid supporting element pivotaily mounted about an axis transverse of the axis of the reel, a fixed eccentric bearing carrying the rigid supporting elements, and fixed eccentric means for swinging the bars of the third set pivotally about the pivotal axis transverse of the axis of the reel, the eccentricity of the eccentric hearing being less than that of the eccentric means relative to the axis of rotation of the first set of bars whereby to effect alternate protrusion and recession of the said bars with respect to the bars of the first two sets.

12. A thread advancing reel comprising two rigid reel members provided at their periphery with longitudinally extending bars, the bars at one member interdigitating with those of the other and one member being mounted for rotation about an axis displaced from the axis of rotation of the other member, a third set of bars interdigitating with those of the first two sets, the bars of the third set being resiliently mounted and individually actuatable, and 'means for imparting movement to the bars of the third set relative to those of the first set to effect advance of the thread carried thereby endwise of the reel.

13. A thread advancing reel comprising three sets of interdigitating bars forming a generally cylindrical thread-carrying periphery, at least one set of the bars being mounted for rotation about an axis eccentric to the axis of rotation of at least one other set of bars, resilient supporting means for the third set of bars, and means for imparting motion to the third set of bars comprising a radial and axial component relative to the bars of the other sets.

14. A thread advancing reel comprising three sets of interdigitating bars forming a generally cylindrical thread-carrying periphery, at least one set of the bars being mounted for rotation about an axis eccentric to the axis of rotation of at least one other set of bars, resilient-supporting means for the third set of bars, means for imparting motion to the third set of bars comprising a radial and axial component relative to the bars of the other sets, a cam surface for limiting the outward movement of the third set of bars, and the resilient supporting means normally biasing the bars of the third set into engagement with said cam surface.

15. A thread advancing ree1 comprising three sets of interdigitating bars forming a generally cylindrical thread-carrying periphery, at least one set of the bars being mounted for rotation about an axis eccentric to the axis of rotation of at least one other set of bars, flexible supporting means for the third set of bars, means for imparting motion to the third set of bars comprising a radial and axial component relative to the bars of the other sets, a fixed cam having a cam groove, and projections from the third set of bars being arranged to extend into the cam groove whereby both the inward and outward motions of the third set of bars are controlled by the cam.

16. A thread advancing reel adapted to convey a thread through a helical path during fluid processing thereof comprising two rigid reel members provided at their periphery with longitudinally extending bars, the bars of one member interdigitating with those of the other and one member being mounted for rotation about an axis displaced from the axis of rotation of the other member, a third set of bars interdigitating with those of the first two sets, the bars of the third set being individual-1y actuatable, means for i-mparting movement to the bars 01? the third set relative to those of the first set to efiect advance of the thread carried thereby endwise of the reel, bearing means for said rigid ree1 members, an annular flexiblesealing member having its two edge portions making sealing engagement with a respective one of the two rigid ree1 members, the bars of the third set extending through individual apertures in the sealing member and making fluid-tight engagement therewith, said actuating .means for the third set of bars being protected within said sealing member from the process fluids.

CARL A. CASTELLAN.

REFERENCES CITED:

, The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

